This species inhabits permanent, small to medium-sized streams with moderate to steep gradients located within moist forests (Green et al. 2014). Individuals can be found in mountain brooks and spring rungs as well as roadside puddles in wooded mountainous terrain (NatureServe 2021). Although this species is largely aquatic, it can commonly be found on stream banks (Green et al. 2014). Adults hide under rocks or logs in water, or in splash zone crevices, while larvae and juveniles occupy smaller seeps. Eggs are laid under rocks or in or under logs at stream sides. This species breeds by larval development.

This species can be found in Eastern Kentucky and adjacent southwestern Virginia, southern West Virginia, and southward to eastern Tennessee, USA (Barbour 1971, McCleary and Orr 1987, Conant and Collins 1991, Redmond and Scott 1996, Felix and Pauley 2006, Green et al. 2014). It can be found at elevations of 300-1,220 m asl (NatureServe 2021).

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in several protected areas. It is listed as Rare in West Virginia (Green et al. 2014).

Research Needed
Further research on this species' distribution, population size and trends is recommended.